PLUS: PRO FOOTBALL -- SAN DIEGO

PLUS: PRO FOOTBALL -- SAN DIEGO; Chargers Land Harbaugh in Deal

Published: March 16, 1999

The Chargers agreed to a trade with the Baltimore Ravens yesterday that would make Jim Harbaugh their starting quarterback, keeping their highly touted second-year pro, Ryan Leaf, on the bench. The deal is contingent on Harbaugh reworking his contract and the Ravens acquiring Scott Mitchell from the Detroit Lions.

Leaf, the No. 2 pick in the National Football League draft last year, would be expected to learn from Harbaugh, who's entering his 13th season.

The Chargers hope to have the agreement finalized in time for a Thursday news conference. Harbaugh reportedly has said that he's willing to take a cut in his $3.25 million salary for 1999 in order to play in San Diego, perhaps down to about $2 million.

The Chargers agreed to send Baltimore a fourth- or fifth-round pick, depending on Harbaugh's and the team's performance.